Alli Stumler (Vicky Graff Photo)
Before the season even started it figured that the Southeastern Conference volleyball championship would again come down to Kentucky and Florida. The two SEC powers play tonight and Saturday in Gainesville and as expected the matches will settle the league championship.
“We have not discussed it much (during the season) but we always know it will be a big match with Florida,” junior outside hitter Alli Stumler, UK’s kills leader, said. “They are one of the best teams in the conference every year and we know the SEC will come down to playing them.
“We would love to be playing at home and love to have our fans there but I think we are just grateful to be playing. Just being able to play with my teammates is awesome. It’s also kind of fun playing when people are cheering against you. I like that.”
Coach Craig Skinner’s team has won three straight SEC championships and swept Florida the last two years. Stumler says that past success builds confidence for UK, 16-0 this year.
“There’s a fine line between cockiness and confidence. We know people are coming for us. Florida already has a couple of losses and that just adds a target on our backs,” Stumler said. “But we love that pressure. That’s the personality of our team. Ever since I got here, the bigger the competition we play, the better I have played. Madison (Lilley), Gabby (Curry), Avery (Skinner) all also play better when the matches mean more.”
Kentucky volleyball has yet to make a Final Four or win a national title. The Cats are ranked third nationally in a season that started in October and will end in April. Stumler believes UK has a terrific chance to win the national championship this season.
“We are super balanced. Madison can set any hitter and get a point for us,” Stumler, the 2018 SEC freshman of the year, said. “In years past we have been really outside dominated. This year our middle has stepped up, the back row is more involved. When you have four attackers at all times it is hard to defend.
“Our defensive focus is really good. A lot of teams can play defense but we take great pride in that.”
Stumler not only leads the team in kills but is second in digs behind libero Gabby Curry.
“I take more pride in that because without defense you do not have offense,” Stumler said. “I knew since I was little that to play at a big school you have to have ball control. I have taken pride in that since I was 13.
“All the hitters here are playing defense in drills. Everyone has to be able to control the ball. It didn’t come easy at first but the more training you have, the more confidence you have. All our passers are in the gym 30 minutes before practices and games. You can never over train.”
That philosophy has helped Stumler offset the graduation of All-American Leah Edmond, one of UK’s all-time best players. Stumler said during her first two years at UK when the team needed a spark or big point, Edmond usually provided it.
“I was hoping to step into that and have people have the same respect for me,” Stumler said. “You need someone to step up each year to gain respect and build leadership and trust. I hope I’ve been able to do that.”
She has. Craig Skinner calls her a “rock” because of her steady play.
“She’s hitting, blocking at a different level,” the UK coach said. “She just gives people around her a certain level of confidence.”
